Get Involved

Do you believe in the power of advocacy? Looking to develop your coaching skills? Are you passionate about helping individuals navigate their health and well-being?

Alice! Health Promotion is recruiting volunteers to serve as Well-being Advocates! Graduate students from across the university and affiliates are welcome to apply. During your tenure, Advocates will gain invaluable coaching experience and become a Certified Wellness & Health Coach! Well-being Advocates provide 1:1 support to students through the Wellness Coaching program at Columbia Health. 

This is an unpaid, volunteer role.

Eligibility criteria:

• Currently enrolled graduate student at Columbia University or affiliates
• Commit to at least 1 year of service (Fall 2023- Spring 2024) in the role
• Be available for at least 10 hours/week of coaching
• Attend weekly 1-hour virtual supervision meeting on Wednesdays at 5 PM (ET)

Timeline:

• March 1 - March 31, 2023: Application open
• April 2023: Advocate interviews
• May 2023: Offers go out to selected advocates
• Summer 2023: Advocate Certified Wellness & Health Coach (CWHC) training (virtual)
  • Daily, 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM ET, 1 Hour Break, 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM ET
  • Week 1: July 10 - July 14, 2023
  • Week 2: July 17 - July 21, 2023
• Mandatory virtual supervision meeting starts August 2, 2023

Apply to be a Well-being Advocate

Join us at a virtual information session to learn more about what it means to be a Well-being Advocate! Click the link below to register for an info session.

• Mon, March 20 at 6 PM

What is wellness coaching?

Wellness Coaching is an evidence-based practice that takes a positive approach to personal development through centering individual strengths, values, and motivations to support behavior change(s) via a collaborative and non-judgmental partnership. Wellness Coaching is available to any currently enrolled Columbia University student at the Morningside and Manhattanville Campus.

Gay Health Advocacy Project advocates are student volunteers trained to address a broad range of issues pertaining to sexual and emotional health. Advocates provide information about the prevention and treatment of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), as well as the psychological factors connected to these issues.

New advocate recruitment and training typically takes place each year in the fall semester.

Fall 2023 Recruitment

We're searching for volunteers who are interested in supporting the sexual & reproductive health of the Columbia community. Students from all of Columbia's schools and affiliates are welcome to apply.

Apply to be a GHAP Advocate

Join us for an information session to learn more about the GHAP Advocate program. During this session, you will learn about the program expectations, training requirements, and application process.

• Monday, August 28 @ 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM ET
• Tuesday, September 5 @ 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM ET
• Monday, September 11 @ 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM ET

Click the links above to register for a session. You can register in advance or the day of the session. 

For the Fall 2023 GHAP Advocate cohort, training is anticipated to begin in September 25 and will be held on Mondays from 6-8pm on the Morningside campus. 

The Gay Health Advocay Project (GHAP) is a sexual health advocacy group, part of Alice! Health Promotion. Alice! is part of the integrated Columbia Health department, which serves students health and well-being needs on the Morningside campus. Volunteer GHAP Advocates provide 1:1 support to students on a variety of sexual and reproductive health needs, including providing resources and referrals for HIV testing and counseling, PrEP and PEP consultations, routine STI screenings and education, birth control, menstrual control and reproductive health education, and peer support around sexuality, gender and identity. You can learn more about the GHAP program on the Columbia Health website. 

Questions? Call us at (212) 854-6655 or email [email protected].

Peer advocates with Sexual Violence Response are students of all identities who are committed to supporting SVR’s mission of eradicating sexual and relationship violence and all forms of gender- and power-based violence in our community.

Peer advocates provide survivors and their supporters with:

• confidential emotional support
• accompaniment
• referrals to on- and off-campus resources.

They also help survivors make informed decisions about their medical, legal, and disciplinary options. 

Eligibility

• Must be currently enrolled in a degree program at Columbia University or affiliate schools and in good judicial, disciplinary, and academic standing.
• Able to attend all specified training sessions (minimum 40 hours).
• Able to commit to at least 2 semesters of service in the role. The semesters do not need to be consecutive.
• Supportive of our mission statement and are committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

Learn more about the Peer Advocate Program

Deadline

• April 26, 2023 to be considered for Summer Training on May 15-19, 2023 (condensed virtual training with self-study components)
• November 1, 2023 to be considered for Winter Training on Jan 4-12, 2024 (in-person training)

How to Apply

Applications are accepted and interviews are held on a rolling basis.

Apply to be a Peer Advocate

Questions?

Contact Sexual Violence Response at (212) 854-3500 and ask to speak with Stacy Peterson or email [email protected].

Peer educators with Sexual Violence Response are students of all identities committed to preventing sexual and intimate partner violence and to educating their peers about healthy relationships and sexuality.

After completing volunteer training, peer educators will be equipped to facilitate interactive workshops and discussions both on- and off-campus, plan events for sexual assault and relationship violence awareness months, and engage in community outreach.

Peer educators provide the University community with information about:

• Sexual violence and relationship abuse
• Campus services available for survivors and co-survivors
• Positive ways to communicate about sex
• Social and cultural norms that can contribute to violence
• How to create a safe and supportive environment that does not tolerate sexual violence

Eligibility

• Must be currently enrolled in a degree program at Columbia University or affiliate schools and in good judicial, disciplinary, and academic standing.
• Able to attend all specified training sessions (minimum 40 hours).
• Able to commit to at least 2 semesters of service in the role. The semesters do not need to be consecutive.
• Supportive of our mission statement and are committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

Learn more about the Peer Educator Program

How to Apply

Applications are accepted and interviews are held on a rolling basis.

Successful applicants will be invited to attend volunteer training (minimum of 40 hours) on Jan 5 and Jan 8-12, 2024.

Apply to be a Peer Educator

Questions?

Contact Sexual Violence Response at (212) 854-3500 and ask to speak with Kaila Eckstein or Debjani Roy, or email [email protected].

The Student Health Advisory Committee acts as a liaison between the Columbia student body and the six departments and offices of Columbia Health:

• Alice! Health Promotion
• Counseling and Psychological Services
• Disability Services
• Insurance and Immunization Compliance
• Medical Services and Gay Health Advocacy Project
• Sexual Violence Response

The committee has three primary goals:

1. To facilitate bi-directional communication between students and Columbia Health 
2. To establish an active link to the student community for Columbia Health information and activities
3. To involve students in the planning and implementation of student health-related programs and services

Who serves on the committee?

The Student Health Advisory Committee is comprised of representatives from the Morningside and Manhattanville campus academic schools and colleges with students being nominated or appointed by the respective student governments or academic administrators.  The committee includes both graduate and undergraduate students with members expected to attend committee and working group meetings, to maintain a high level of engagement, and to facilitate bi-directional communication.

When does the committee meet?

The committee holds monthly meetings during the academic year To find out when the next committee meeting will be held, email [email protected].

How does someone become a committee member?

If you are interested in being involved please contact your respective student government group to identify your committee representative and discuss how you can be involved.

Questions or concerns?

For questions or to bring a concern to the attention of the committee, email [email protected].

As part of the larger Responsible Community @ Columbia (RC@C) initiative, during student orientation all new students take part in R.O.A.R. @ Columbia: Responsible. Optimal. Authentic. Resilient. (ROAR) discussions and other activities.

Facilitated by Orientation Leaders (OL), these sessions allow for an honest dialogue about alcohol and other drugs while establishing social norms and supporting a community of smart, safe, and responsible decision-making.

The session aims to:

• Challenge students’ misperceptions about alcohol and other drugs
• Focus the conversation on lower-risk behaviors
• Describe the impact that drinking has on the broader community
• Provide life-skills training
• Discuss how negative consequences are avoidable

Interested in facilitating R.O.A.R.@ Columbia? Visit the Orientation Leadership page to learn about how to become an OL.

Position Summary:

The Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist (Student Casual) will serve as a member of the Alice! Direct Service’s Team to improve health and well-being through alcohol and drug-related primary and secondary interventions with undergraduate and graduate students and assist with other related prevention initiatives.  

Alice! Health Promotion currently operates under a hybrid remote working model. 

• Pay rate: $25/hour 

• Time commitment: part-time, 20 hours/week 

To apply, submit a resume and cover letter to the Alice! Application Submission Form. A resume and cover letter are required, any other submission will be considered incomplete.

Responsibilities:

• Monitor and assist with maintenance of the online web-based platform used to assist in administering Brief Alcohol Screening & Intervention for College Students (BASICS); including updating training materials. 
• Facilitate one-on-one BASICS sessions for Columbia undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. 
• Assist Officers of Administration with substance use/misuse/abuse prevention initiatives and communication outreach, including, but not limited to NSOP, Bacchanal, and Responsible Community @ Columbia (RC@C).  
• Assist with BASICS program implementation and other related report writing, data tracking, evaluation, and metrics. 
• Attend and participate in regularly scheduled Alice! Direct Services team meetings. 
• Serve on task forces and working groups as assigned.
• Assist with the production of Go Ask Alice!, Columbia University’s health Q&A internet resource, including reviewing incoming questions. 
• Perform basic clerical and administrative tasks as assigned. 
• Other duties as assigned, which include but are not limited to participation in professional development workshops, supporting department-wide events and initiatives, and attendance at all-Alice! staff meetings

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in health education, psychology, social work, or other closely related field
• Full-time enrollment in a graduate health or closely related program at Columbia University or an affiliate
• Excellent communication skills required
• Must be detail-oriented with strong organizational, follow-up, and customer service skills
• Ability to work independently and take initiative on projects
• Familiar with web-based programs
• Commitment to advancing health equity and social justice

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with college-aged populations and/or with substance abuse-related issues
• Knowledge of principles of Motivational Interviewing
• Experience with client management software and CMS systems
• Incoming graduate student able to commit to a 2-year term
• Available to work ~20 hours/week (Monday – Friday), between the hours of 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM

To apply, submit a resume and cover letter to the Alice! Application Submission Form. A resume and cover letter are required, any other submission will be considered incomplete.

Position Summary:

Gather facts, resources, and the latest research findings for Go Ask Alice!, Columbia’s health Q&A Internet resource. Translate complex medical and health information into engaging, readable, smart prose suitable for undergraduate and graduate students at Columbia. Writing is in a question-and-answer format.

Using research collected, the Go Ask Alice! Content Assistant (Student Casual) will craft responses to health questions that have been submitted anonymously to the Go Ask Alice! website. 

• Anticipated start date: early October 2023
• Pay rate: $25/hour
• Time commitment: part-time, 13-15 hours/week 

To apply, submit a resume and cover letter to the Alice! Application Submission Form. Deadline 9/15/23.

Responsibilities:

• Gather, review, organize, and record researched information from reputable medical and scientific literature, websites, and other sources as detailed reports to be used for Go Ask Alice! website content. 
• Use research collected to write new answers or update existing answers for the Go Ask Alice! website.   
• Edit, revise, and offer feedback on answers based on research prior to live posting on the Go Ask Alice! website.
• Consult by phone or e-mail with medical providers and health professionals while researching. 
• Assist with the site’s overall production.
• Assist with special projects related to site production and workflow. 
• Other duties as assigned, which include but are not limited to participation in professional development workshops, supporting unit-wide events and initiatives, attendance at all-Alice! staff meetings, performing basic clerical and administrative duties 

Minimum Qualifications:

• Active enrollment in an undergraduate or graduate program at Columbia University or affiliates.  
• Strong research, writing, and editing skills.  
• Strong written and verbal communication skills. 
• Ability to translate complex concepts into everyday language, especially health-related concepts.   
• Familiarity with health and science and ability to work with sensitive health-related content. 
• Ability to manage time effectively. 

• Ability to work independently. 

Other Requirements:

• The selected student must be available to work 13-15 hours/week (Monday – Friday), preferably between the hours of 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
• Alice! Health Promotion currently operates under a hybrid working model (some in-person hours and some remote).

To apply, submit a resume and cover letter to the Alice! Application Submission Form. Deadline 9/15/23.

Position Summary:

The GHAP Coordinator works closely with the GHAP Associate Director to train, support, and help supervise the work of volunteer Peer Advocates and to manage day-to-day Sexual & Reproductive Health (GHAP) Services operations. The GHAP Coordinator also assists other staff at Alice! Health Promotion and Columbia Health on shared initiatives, as needed.

To apply, submit a resume and cover letter to the Alice! Application Submission Form.

Responsibilities:

• Help supervise and serve as backup for volunteer GHAP Advocates during virtual and onsite drop-in hours
• Curate and create training resources for GHAP Advocates and informational material for clients
• Under the supervision of the GHAP Associate Director, help coordinate and lead volunteer-run GHAP Advocate training
• Maintain GHAP files (electronic and hard copy) and replenish client handouts, educational binders, office supplies, and other day-to-day operational needs
• Assist with the recruitment of new student volunteers
• Liaise with Alice! Health Promotion, Medical Services, and other Columbia Health staff for client referrals
• Represent Alice! Health Promotion, including GHAP at trainings, workshops, and other events at Columbia, as needed
• Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications:

• Currently enrolled student (undergraduate, graduate, or professional) at Columbia University or affiliates
• Excellent communication skills required
• Must be detail-oriented with strong organizational, follow-up, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and take initiative on projects

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong preference for applicants who have been a GHAP/WHAP Peer Advocate for at least one year
• Currently enrolled in a graduate program at Columbia University

Other Requirements:

• The selected student must be available to work at least 12 hours/week and up to 20 hours/week (Monday – Friday)
• Some evening or weekend work may be required
• This is a one-year position that ends in August 2024. Possibility of continuation depending on the need

To apply, submit a resume and cover letter to the Alice! Application Submission Form.

Position Summary:

The Well-being Advocate Specialist will serve as a member of the Alice! Direct Service’s Team to improve health and well-being through sustainable lifestyle behavior change for undergraduate and graduate students and assist with other related health education and prevention initiatives.

• Anticipated start date: Mid-April 2023
• Pay rate: $25/hour
• Student Casual employee - 20 hours/week

To apply, submit a resume and cover letter to the Alice! Application Submission Form.

Responsibilities:

• Provide 1:1 direct services to students seeking Wellness Coaching
• Monitor and assist with maintenance of the web-based platform used to administer Alice! Direct Services; including updating training materials.
• Attend and participate in weekly Alice! Direct Services team meetings.
• Assist Officers of Administration with health and well-being initiatives and communication outreach, including, but not limited to: Direct Services, Health Education, NSOP, Bacchanal, and university-wide events.
• Assist with Wellness Coaching and related report writing, data tracking, evaluation, and metrics.
• Assist with the production of Go Ask Alice!, Columbia University’s health Q&A internet resource.
• Serve on taskforces and committees as assigned.
• Perform basic clerical and administrative tasks as assigned.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in health education, psychology, social work, or other closely related field.
• Full-time enrollment in a graduate health or closely related program at Columbia University or affiliate.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational, follow-up, and customer service skills.
• Ability to work independently and take initiative on projects.
• Familiar with web-based software/programs.
• Commitment to advancing health equity and social justice.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with college-aged populations and/or with wellness coaching preferred.
• Wellness Coaching certification preferred (ex: CWHC).
• Knowledge of the principles of Motivational Interviewing and Positive Psychology is preferred.
• Experience with client management and CMS systems preferred.

Time Commitment:

• Approximately 20 hours/week, some evening or weekend work may be required.

To apply, submit a resume and cover letter to the Alice! Application Submission Form.

Position Summary:

The Health Education Specialist will serve as a member of the Alice! Direct Service’s Team to improve health and well-being through the delivery of 1:1 conversations, curricula development, and facilitation of workshops, trainings, and presentations for undergraduate and graduate students.

To apply, submit a resume and cover letter on the Columbia Careers Job Board posting (No. 528869)

Responsibilities:

• Monitor and assist with maintenance of the online web-based platform used to assist in administering Alice! Direct Services; including updating training materials.
• Attend and participate in regularly scheduled Alice! Direct Services team meetings.
• Assist Officers of Administration with health and well-being initiatives and communication outreach, including, but not limited to: Direct Services, Health Education, NSOP, Bacchanal, and university-wide events.
• Assist with Health Education Visits and other related report writing, data tracking, evaluation, and metrics.
• Assist with the production of Go Ask Alice!, Columbia University’s health Q&A internet resource, including reviewing incoming questions.
• Serve on taskforces and committees as assigned.
• Perform basic clerical and administrative tasks as assigned.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in health education, psychology, social work, or other closely related field.
• Full-time enrollment in a graduate health or closely related program at Columbia University or affiliate.
• Excellent communication skills are required.
• Must be detail-oriented with strong organizational, follow-up, and customer service skills.
• Ability to work independently and take initiative on projects.
• Familiar with web-based programs.
• Commitment to advancing health equity and social justice.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with college-aged populations and/or with health education preferred.
• Prior health education certification is preferred.
• Knowledge of the principles of Motivational Interviewing and Positive Psychology preferred.
• Experience with client management software and CMS systems preferred.

Other Requirements:

• The selected student must be available to work approximately 20 hours/week (Monday – Friday)
• Some evening or weekend work may be required

To apply, submit a resume and cover letter on the Columbia Careers Job Board posting (No. 528869)